13 Care of People with Mental Health Problems

This section of our curriculum guide refers to statement 13, Care of People with Mental Health Problems, produced by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).

Mental health problems in primary care are common. The range of mental health problems encountered by a GP is large, and includes for example: adjustment reactions (normal responses to external circumstances); short- or longer-term disability associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety (which can be defined psychiatrically with diagnoses such as depression, but can also be seen as socially constructed); and schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (with a clearer biological basis, more easily defined from symptoms, but also with significant social meaning and consequences). These can coexist with each other, and also with problems related to consumption of alcohol or drugs, and with problems resulting from difficult traits and personality types.

Here we have collated key articles from our journals to help you meet the curriculum requirements in this area.